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Warning-sign checks

Hair spray poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if the exposed person:

    • Has trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe wheezing
    • Collapses, cannot be awakened, or is very confused
    • Has a seizure
    • Develops chest pain or a fast or irregular heartbeat
    • Deliberately inhaled hair spray to become intoxicated
    • Was exposed in a fire or explosion

    It is also appropriate to seek confidential support for repeated or intentional inhalant use, even when there are no current emergency symptoms.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison centre promptly after swallowing hair spray, a large inhalation exposure, or any exposure involving symptoms.

    In the United States, Poison Control is available at 1-800-222-1222 and through webPOISONCONTROL.

    Elsewhere, use your national poison-information service or urgent medical service.

    Arrange urgent medical assessment for a cough that worsens after swallowing, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, repeated vomiting, ongoing drowsiness, or persistent blurred vision or eye pain.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate if mild symptoms are not settling as expected, workplace exposure keeps causing irritation, or you have been advised to have your lungs, heart, or eyes rechecked.

The article also says

Move away from fumes if it is safe, but do not put yourself at risk.

Do not give food or drink to someone who is unconscious or having difficulty swallowing.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hair spray poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.